The standard screenplay is approximately 120 pages long, or two hours long. It is measured at one page per minute. It does not matter whether your script is all dialogue, all action, or both.
The rule holds firm — one page of screenplay equals one minute of screen time. The beginning is Act I, referred to as the setup, because you have approximately 30 pages to set up your story. If you go to a movie, you will usually make a decision — either consciously or below the level of awareness — about whether you “like” the movie or
“dis-like” the movie. The next time you go to a movie, find out how long it takes you to make a decision about whether you like the film or not. It takes about ten minutes. That’s ten pages of your screenplay. You’ve got to hook your reader immediately.
